'Smooth' first day of school in Framingham

Thursday

Aug 30, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 30, 2007 at 5:27 PM

FRAMINGHAM - It was a smooth day for local schools, as everyone from first-grade students through high school seniors returned to class. "It was the smoothest opening I can remember," said Michael Welch, principal of the high school, who estimated about 2,050 to 2,080 high schoolers attended class yesterday.

John Hilliard/Daily News staff

It was a smooth day for local schools, as everyone from first-grade students through high school seniors returned to class.

"It was the smoothest opening I can remember," said Michael Welch, principal of the high school, who estimated about 2,050 to 2,080 high schoolers attended class yesterday.

High school administrators had to handle some last-minute concerns of as many as 60 students with language issues, said Welch. "It's a challenge for us. It's always something we try to be attentive to," said Welch.

The school is also grappling with higher fees for busing, student parking and athletics - none of which are well-liked, he said. "No one is in favor of fees."

At the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Principal Robin Welch said the expected enrollment of the schools first- through fifth-graders was about 340. The town's kindergartners, including those at Wilson, begin school today.

Administrators had to clarify the school start time with some parents, but those students soon joined their classmates at Wilson, he said.

"I'm ready for another day," said Zanella, who is co-president of the teacher union.

She noted that union leaders will meet with district officials today to continue negotiations for a new teacher contract. She said about 700 teachers met Monday at Bowditch Field to get an update on negotiations.

The existing deal expires Saturday, and she said teachers hope to have a new agreement brokered soon.

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